The Villa Times - 24/11/2006

Tut tut, Patrik Berger has been a naughty boy. It has been revealed by Villa boss Martin O'Neill that he allowed Berger to leave Villa and go on loan to Stoke after breaching club rules earlier in the week.

Chris Sutton is a doubt for tomorrows game against Middlesbrough having picked up a knock to his calf in training. Martin O'Neill told the official site: 'We have a bit of a problem in that Chris Sutton didn't train and we'll have to wait and see. He's picked-up a problem in midweek and we'll see how he is.'

Stiliyan Petrov and Aaron Hughes could both possibly return from injuries: 'Stiliyan trained today, Aaron trained today and there's good improvement in both of them. I'll wait to see if there's ant reaction tomorrow.' Gavin McCann should also be back in contention after recovering from an illness.

Villa left-back Jlloyd Samuel has conceded he'll have a hard task to get his place back now he has recovered from his thigh injury because the defence is doing so well. Full quotes: Click Here

Mike Hancock MP has put down an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons calling for the introduction of safe standing areas: Full article: Click Here

Gareth Barry has spoken about the influence of Gareth Southgate: 'I'm looking forward to seeing Gareth. I spent a lot of time at club level with him and when I first broke through into the England team, he was a regular there. He helped me on the pitch and off it, so I've got a lot to thank Gareth for, because he was that type of character. It's still early days in his managerial career and you can't judge him yet. He's got a good squad up there and I'm sure he's eventually going to do well.' Adding 'He was a role-model, not only to the younger players, but also to the more experienced players. They looked up to Gareth Southgate.'

Martin O'Neill says Gareth Barry just needs to keep playing well to attract the attention of the England manager.... Full article: Click Here

Gavin McCann says he is up for the fight if Martin O'Neill brings in new players during the January transfer window. He also says Villa have some decent midfielder options at the moment. Full article: Click Here

Gary Cahill is looking to join Liam Ridgewell in the first team regularly. 'I want to try to emulate Liam. That is the most important thing. Liam has got about 80-odd appearances under his belt. I have always said you have never made it until you have made 200 appearances and performed at a good level consistently. That is my aim now.'

Thought for the day: Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened. (Collective puke!)

Comments

MON had to act swiftly and with authority to discipline Patrik Berger. The club is on a high, positive attitudes surrounding everyone connected with the club. The last thing we need is a naughty schoolboy type amongst the ranks.